There’s no better time to explore around your hometown than during this pandemic period. The landmarks that used to be filled with tourists are now all yours. However, we’re pretty sure the iconic ones like The Merlion and Garden by The Bay are already on most people’s radar. So if you're on board with the whole being a tourist in your own country thing but would like to try out something different, we collected these unique photo spots around the city that show a different side of Singapore.

If you’re not a local, don’t worry, you can always save this blog for your next Singapoliday!

1. Peranakan House

Location: Koon Seng Road, Katong District

How to get here: Take the East-West MRT Line (Green Line) and get off at Euno then walk about 15-20 minutes to Koon Seng Road.

Rediscover the Singaporean culture by exploring this beautiful stretch of traditional shophouses. The vibrant splash of colours of the houses combined with the unique peranakan ornaments is a fresh scene to enjoy. After taking that instagramable pictures, you can walk down the streets for other Peranakan-themed sites, like Rumah Bebe-a Peranakan craft stores or Kim Choo Kueh Chang--a traditional establishment that serves up chewy rice dumplings that is an iconic dish in Peranakan culture.

2. Street Art Haji Lane

Location: Haji Lane, Kampong Glam

How to get here: Drop off at Bugis Station (Blue Line) then from there you will have to walk for about 200 metres.

This small lane in the middle of the city is known to both locals and tourists as the quirky and fun part of the town. Why? Because the lane is filled with murals and street art--houses and shops colorfully painted with vibrant art, rows of fancy bars and dining places blaring with lights and music at night. It has become a hipster-paradise where you can just express yourself! Try doing a mural-hunting game while you’re here and don’t forget to snap a street-style OOTD.

3. Pagoda Street Stairs & Buddha Relic Temple

Location: Chinatown

How to get here: Board the MRT to the Chinatown station (Blue Line). Take Exit A to go to Pagoda Street Stairs then turn right to the South Bridge Road to reach Buddha Relic Temple.

You might wonder what’s special about Chinatown. It’s a packed area filled with shops and temples. But here, in Singapore, the historical Chinese architecture meets modern aesthetics of the city. You’ll get to see the contrast of both worlds (as well as the beauty of the fusion) once you step outside the MRT, right at the Pagoda Street Stairs.

A short walk from there, you’ll get to see one of the most iconic temples in Singapore. It’s a magnificent 5-storey building with intricate carvings and design as well as religious artefacts that exhibits the rich history and stories of the Chinese culture. The red and gold ornaments of the temple are just a spectacular backdrop for your photo shoot.

4. Japanese Cemetery Park

Location: 22 Chuan Hoe Ave, Yio Chu Kang

How to get here: Take the MRT to Kovan (Purple Line)

The word ‘cemetery’ might scare you away but rest assured that even though it’s a real cemetery, the beautiful flowers and greeneries surrounding the area brings peacefulness and tranquility to the entire park. As the place serves as a memorial park for the Japanese, the place is imbued with japanese culture and architectures. The one photo spot you should see is the gorgeous floral archways stretching across the park. One step into the archway will transport you to a springtime in Japan!

5. Potato Head

Location: 36 Keong Saik Rd, Tanjong Pagar

How to get here: The nearest MRT Station is Outram Park (Purple Line) then walk for about 5 minutes from the station to Keong Saik Road.

Potato Head is actually a bar located in the Tanjong Pagar district. The area was formerly a red-light district around the 60s and now it has become Singapore’s best place to dine. Repurposing an iconic heritage building, Potato Head attracts attention for both its unique exterior and divine cuisine--turning it into a popular place in Singapore for people to take their photos. It has a very cool retro vibe which is perfect for a street-style OOTD shoot.

Bonus: HDB deck

For those who don't know, HDB stands for Housing & Development Board (HDB) and it’s basically Singapore's public housing properties. You can easily identify HDBs by its signature architecture, like the void deck and identical squarish buildings in a row--creating an aesthetic pattern. It might not be as glamorous as the other photo spots but it can be a meaningful place for your family and friends.

Be it an OOTD shoot, a proposal, graduation, wedding, newborn, or your next holiday--we are here to capture your moments. Whether it’s a celebration near home or a trip somewhere far, we are here to #MakeLifeMemorable. Don’t forget to book your SweetEscape session on your next Singapoliday!